Unknown Assailant Tackles Burbank Jiu Jitsu Instructor

An unknown suspect tackled a Burbank Jiu Jitsu instructor after he finished teaching a children’s class at a gym at 3111 Winona Avenue on Monday, March 24.

Around 5:30 to 5:40 p.m., the suspect jumped on the instructor in the lobby of Force/Balance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as the instructor was reaching for some informational materials, said Sgt. Darin Ryburn of the Burbank Police Department.

The 38-year-old instructor caught himself on a nearby counter which prevented him from falling to the floor. He was not injured in the attack. The suspect fled the building.

The suspect, described as a Caucasian or Hispanic male, age 20-30, 5’8″ and 180 pounds, interrupted the instructor as he was teaching a children’s class a few minutes previous to the battery. The suspect said he wanted information on taking classes at the gym.

The victim told police he does not recognize or know the suspect. The suspect was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and headed south on Ontario St. riding a blue mountain bike after the battery.

Based on this activity, police ask for anyone in the area at that time on Monday who may have seen someone fitting the suspect’s description, or who may see someone similar in the area in the future, to contact Burbank Police at 818-238-3000.